Background:
Fleur was proving a challenge for her owner both at home and on walks. Mealtimes were particularly stressful as Fleur would bark persistently and demand the food any time someone was eating. In addition, she struggled with lead walking, especially when approaching the park, and had unreliable recall around other dogs.

Assessment:
Fleur’s behaviour was driven by excitement and a lack of clear boundaries. Her intensity around food and outdoor environments made daily routines difficult to manage.

Training Approach:
- 1. Mealtime Manners:
In our first session, we tackled Fleur’s behaviour around food. We implemented a simple rule: during meals, Fleur was to stay quietly in her bed. With consistent direction and structure, she picked this up quickly - this issue was effectively resolved after just one session.
- 2. Leash Work:
To reduce pulling, we introduced the concept of lead pressure, teaching Fleur how to walk calmly without straining on the lead - especially in high-excitement areas like the park entrance. We also taught Fleur that the more she pulled the more we would stop and wait for her to calm down before moving towards the park again.
- 3. Recall Training:
Using a long line, we ensured Fleur was set up for success during every recall. She was rewarded consistently with her favourite treats, helping her build a positive association and greater reliability when called, even around distractions.

Outcome:
Fleur made impressive progress in just a few sessions. Her behaviour at home improved significantly, and walks became more manageable. Her recall is now much more consistent, and she responds well to lead pressure. Fleur’s natural eagerness to learn, combined with her owner’s dedication, has set her up for continued success.

Conclusion:
By addressing clear problem areas with structured training and positive reinforcement, Fleur transformed quickly into a more focused and cooperative companion. It’s been a pleasure to see her progress and thrive with the right guidance in place.